Protecting fish stocks for a sustainable future

Fisheries remain a cornerstone of coastal economies and a lifeline for global food security. Yet, the pressures on the fishing industry are intensifying. Ecosystems are shifting under the influence of factors including climate change, whilst populations that rely on fish continue to grow.

As fishers, the rhythms of the sea are familiar; some years bring abundance, while others require patience and restraint. The same variability that defines fishing also underlines its vulnerability. Protecting the long‑term health of fish stocks is vital, not only for fishers’ livelihoods but also for ensuring that sustainably caught seafood continues to feed communities worldwide.

ICES stock recommendations for 2026

Each year, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) provides the science-based advice that underpins sustainable fishing across the North Atlantic. These annual recommendations shape Total Allowable Catches (TACs), ensuring that fishing activity remains within safe biological limits, preventing overexploitation and supporting the recovery of marine ecosystems when needed.

For 2026, ICES has issued several significant revisions affecting key pelagic stocks:

• Mackerel (Northeast Atlantic): a recommended TAC of 174,357 tonnes, representing a 70% reduction from the 2025 figure of 576,958 tonnes
• North Sea herring: a 30% reduction compared with the previous year’s quota
• Blue whiting: a recommended TAC of 851,344 tonnes, a 41% reduction on 2025 levels

These recommendations are based on data collected during annual fisheries surveys conducted by nations states. Where contemporary data is not available, ICES makes assumptions, based on previous data and experience, to publish advice to inform fisheries management decisions.

Subsequent annual fisheries management negotiations between North East Atlantic “Coastal States” – including Norway, Iceland, the European Union, the Faroe Islands, the United Kingdom, and Greenland -seek to reach a collective agreement to align catch limits and individual quota shares for each nation with ICES’ latest scientific advice. The purpose is to secure the long-term health of shared fish stocks through a fair and comprehensive management framework.

As an example, the recent trilateral negotiation between Norway, the EU, and the UK has adopted a long-term management strategy for Herring and a revision of the overall TAC management that enables the adoption of a lower TAC reduction in 2026 of -20%. This demonstrates the necessary balance between adhering to scientific advice whilst delivering business continuity and managing socio-economic impact.

Contemporary and accurate ICES advice is essential to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our fisheries. At North Atlantic Fishing Company (NAFCO), our stance remains consistent: we will continue to fish responsibly and within the limits defined by credible, transparent, and up-to-date science

Our own data strongly supports this objective. Every trip produces extensive operational information – including catch composition, environmental conditions, and fishing locations – that provides an accurate picture of the realities at sea. These insights can enhance scientific understanding and strengthen confidence in how fisheries are managed.

While we fully operate within established quotas and regulations, it is vital that the science behind these frameworks evolves alongside a changing climate. Fish populations are shifting northwards, spawning cycles are adjusting, and temperature fluctuations are reshaping distribution patterns. Scientific methodologies must adapt accordingly, so that future assessments accurately reflect what fishers are already observing on the water.

Safeguarding food security through healthy stocks

Sustainable fish stocks are not simply an economic concern – they are a pillar of global food resilience. More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on seafood as a primary source of protein. As the global population climbs toward ten billion by mid‑century, sustainably managed fisheries will play a critical role in feeding the world responsibly.

Pelagic species such as mackerel and herring are central to this effort. When harvested responsibly, these fish offer a renewable, low‑carbon, and highly nutritious food source rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and omega‑3 fatty acids.

Protecting these stocks means supporting global food security. By fishing within scientifically informed quotas and applying carefully monitored techniques, we ensure that today’s catches do not compromise tomorrow’s supply.

Collaboration and innovation

The sustainability of fish stocks depends on partnerships among fishers, regulators, and the scientific community. Transparent knowledge sharing and modern technology are already transforming what this collaboration can achieve.

At NAFCO, cooperation with researchers is already part of daily operations. We continue to welcome scientists on board to conduct studies and gain first‑hand insight into fishing activity.

Last year, the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association (PFA) – of which NAFCO is a proud UK member –signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). The agreement strengthens collaboration between the pelagic fishing industry and scientific researchers, promoting joint work on stock assessment, research, and data sharing to support sustainable fisheries management.

This partnership marks an important step in combining industry knowledge with world‑leading marine science, ensuring that decisions on pelagic fish stocks are informed by accurate, comprehensive data drawn from both research and real‑world fishing activity.

Every vessel has the potential to become a platform for science. Data collected at sea can offer valuable insight into how our ecosystems are changing. By collaborating and sharing, operators can help close knowledge gaps that hinder progress.

Continuing as part of the solution

Everyone in the fishing industry shares a common goal: healthy stocks, clean oceans, and a sustainable future for the next generation of fishers. Protecting fish populations isn’t just an environmental duty, it also makes commercial sense and supports food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

We will keep inviting scientists and regulators aboard to improve transparency and strengthen data collection, making sure research keeps up with the changing ocean environment. By combining responsible fishing with sound science and close cooperation across the industry and research community, we can safeguard the long‑term health of our fisheries and the food supply they provide.